Brittany Pearce - Wills & Trusts

Brittany is often instructed to advise beneficiaries, trustees and personal representatives in connection with probate, trust and estate matters. Her advice covers technical, discrete points, such as what documents should be disclosed, whilst factoring in practical considerations, bearing in mind costs considerations and litigation risk. She has been instructed to act in claims brought under the Presumption of Death Act 2013, and frequently advises upon, and acts in, matters such as Cobden-Ramsay orders (commonly known as ‘put up or shut up ‘orders) and Beddoe applications. Brittany also provides advice as to the validity and construction of wills.

Brittany frequently acts in Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 disputes. She is able to provide clients with robust advice as to the likely outcome at trial, and frequently achieves sensible settlements through the process of ADR. Recently, she advised a client on matters relating to jurisdiction and domicile and also provided advice as to the size of the net estate for the purpose of the 1975 Act in circumstances where tangible and intangible assets were located out of jurisdiction.

Cohabitation disputes

Brittany is frequently involved in high-value TLATA disputes that arise following the breakdown of relationships. She has a keen eye for achieving suitable settlements and is regularly engaged to mediate or attend Early Neutral Evaluations. Brittany has been involved in cases concerning multiple properties, or in which property has been developed or improved by one or both parties, or where there has been a substantial imbalance as to the parties’ contributions to the property. She is also familiar with the intricacies of equitable accounting claims.